The microData mapping project captures GIS (Geographic Information
Systems) data consisting of site location of buildings, fire
hydrants, public places, public telephones and driveway access
points. In collecting the necessary data, microData employees
drive white Chevrolet Tracker vehicles which identify microData
and its 9-1-1 function. They drive every street and road in
Rhode Island, stopping at each structure to obtain or verify
an address, capture the latitude and longitude of each structure,
and take a digital photograph of it. All of this information
is displayed on a digital map at the 9-1-1 Telecommunicator's
console, enabling the call taker to assist emergency response
agencies find locations of callers more quickly, whether it
be a wireline or wireless call.
The GIS Data Development Project
Rhode Island was the first statewide 9-1-1
system in the United States to be capable of receiving "Phase
II" 9-1-1 wireless call location information. The system's
GIS Data Development Project commenced in FY 2001, utilizing
an outside contractor (microData, Inc.). The contractor field-captures
GIS data and this data is then integrated with other data
layers on maps provided by the RI Department of Transportation
and RIGIS, a collaborative GIS data resource group.
The GIS data collection project offers other
benefits to State and local governments: the development or
enhancement of databases that can be utilized for area-wide
emergency notification, for municipal tax assessment and valuation,
for transportation and land use planning, and for economic
development. This initiative was recommended in the Auditor
General’s performance audit of the 9-1-1 Division in
June, 2001, and is supported by the public safety community,
numerous state agencies, and local governments.
RI E 9-1-1 is pleased to announce that the project is complete for all of Rhode Island!!!
